DANA POINT, CA, April 9, 2012 – The Ocean Institute is pleased to announce that Jack Goffman of Dana Point has been selected as its 2012 Volunteer of the Year. Goffman is a long-time volunteer who was also named Volunteer of the Year in 2006. Goffman volunteers more than 300 hours annually.
“Jack is a model volunteer and a gifted teacher,” observed Linda Blanchard, the Institute’s volunteer director. “He always looks for ways to improve our programs by modifying equipment, even purchasing materials himself and refusing reimbursement.”
Goffman has participated in 34 of the Institute’s Earth’s Changing Climate programs this school year, often teaching 7:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. He also did the investigation necessary to pinpoint the location of the ACE fishing boat that sank off San Clemente so that the Institute could use its side scan sonar during a training cruise to gather images of this local dive site.
Goffman is a retired engineer and geologist. He has lived in Dana Point for nearly four decades, and has watched the Ocean Institute grow and develop as an organization. He remarked, “It provides children with a great introduction to oceanography.”
As a volunteer, he enjoys working with young people, both children and the recent college graduates on the Institute staff. He noted, “I do it for the fun.”
Blanchard concluded, “Jack’s knowledge, enthusiasm and efforts are invaluable to students and staff alike. We’re deeply indebted to him for his efforts, and look forward to working with him for many more years to come.”
Blanchard added that additional volunteers are welcome at the Institute. Information: Linda Blanchard, (949) 496-2274, ext. 221 or lblanchard@ocean-institute.org.
Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.
# # # #
Jim Graves
